Munich – Central station crime scene. Violent crime has been increasing in Germany for years. The main train station is a particular focal point.
Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (54, CSU) tightened the measures. This Friday and Saturday, the federal police will carry out special operations with hundreds of officers at 41 major train stations. He checks for prohibited weapons, illegal drugs and stolen goods.
Dobrindt accompanied the act at Munich Central Station on the first night. “The feeling of safety has decreased in recent years,” he said on platform 11 between trains and passengers. “In the statistics we find an increase in violent crime, which is also related to non-Germans committing violence.” It can be assumed that 50 percent of the perpetrators were non-Germans.
Franz Xaver Vogl, Vice President of the Federal Police Directorate in Munich (M.), with Interior Minister Dobrindt at Munich Central Station
Registered nationally POLICE There were 14,047 acts of violence at train stations in Germany in the first half of 2025. Throughout 2024 there were 27,160 acts. Minister of Home Affairs: “It’s not enough for politics to just use statistics. The question is, what steps do we take?”
Arrest during ministerial visit
As Dobrindt stood on the platform of Munich Central Station with the Vice President of the Federal Police Directorate and the head of inspections, officers arrested a man three lanes away. He had abandoned the departing train at the last second. Suspicion: theft of passenger luggage.
Federal riot police officers arrested a man during Dobrindt’s visit who was suspected of stealing from travelers
Crucial to solving the case: images from surveillance cameras as evidence of the crime. Dobrindt: “The use of cameras has meant that we have been able to double the number of suspects identified in recent years.”
“Taser leads to de-escalation”
Cameras have been installed at 143 train stations in Germany. Dobrindt announced: “We will expand the use of cameras and equip other railway stations in Germany with the most modern camera technology.”
Second safety measure: Taser or stun gun. In October, the Bundestag approved Dobrindt’s plan to introduce the device. At Munich Central Station he received confirmation of the plan: “Police colleagues have reported that the presence or threat of the Taser is already leading to de-escalation.” That’s why it’s important to him “that Tasers be introduced across the board in federal policing.”
